Steelers Sign Rookie Anthony McFarland Jr.

Fourth-round selection Anthony McFarland has signed his rookie deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to the running back’s Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CC68s7qsHGC/?igshid=19fsalqscn0e2

Selected with the 124th pick in April’s draft, McFarland was the second Steeler to sign their rookie deal Tuesday, along with outside linebacker Alex Highsmith.

McFarland played just two season and 23 games at Maryland before declaring for the 2020 NFL Draft, but showed flashes of brilliance over his Terrapin career. He had a special 2018 campaign as a redshirt sophomore, rushing for 1,034 yards and 3 touchdowns, including a 298 yard, two score outburst against Ohio State. All that production came under head coach Matt Canada, who is now the Steelers’ quarterbacks coach.

While McFarland struggled by comparison as he battled injuries and coaching staff turnover during his final season, McFarland still had some bright spots. He ran for 132 yards and a score against Temple, and gashed Michigan State for 134 yards and a touchdown on just eight carries.

McFarland is expected to contribute for the Steelers right away in 2020, hopefully adding speed and big plays to a ground attack that finished the season 29th and 30th in rushing yards and touchdowns, respectively.

Watch Mike Asti’s talk with Adam Zielonka of the Washington Times about what Steelers fans should expect from McFarland.